Carib Scope

分类： society

  • Cuba: teachers defend Fidel Castro’s literacy epic

    Cuba: teachers defend Fidel Castro’s literacy epic

    Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz presided over the nation’s principal Teachers’ Day celebration at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune. The event brought together a cross-section of the educational community, including active teachers, members of the pedagogical detachment, representatives from various training models, retirees, and educators who recently completed international missions, such as a brigade returning from Honduras.

    Education Minister Ena Elsa Velázquez Cobiella delivered a keynote address that connected contemporary educational challenges with Cuba’s revolutionary pedagogical heritage. She emphasized that the period coinciding with Teachers’ Day, the anniversary of the Revolution’s triumph, and the start of the academic year represents both a time for honoring educators and for conducting critical assessment of the educational system’s development.

    The minister specifically recalled Fidel Castro’s historic 1960 proclamation before the United Nations, when he declared Cuba would become the first illiteracy-free nation in the Americas. “This pledge exemplified revolutionary boldness that materialized through an ambitious campaign where the people educated the people, with youth assuming tremendous responsibility,” Velázquez stated, referencing the landmark 1961 literacy campaign that dramatically reduced illiteracy rates.

    The ceremony served as both recognition of current educational professionals and a reaffirmation of Cuba’s ongoing commitment to educational accessibility and quality, tracing a direct lineage from the revolutionary achievements to present-day efforts in maintaining the country’s educational standards.

  • Cuban minister highlights education’s impact on the world

    Cuban minister highlights education’s impact on the world

    In a nationally televised address, Cuba’s Education Minister Eva Josefina Torres Trujillo delivered a powerful tribute to the nation’s teaching profession, framing their daily work as an act of modern heroism. The minister’s speech drew direct parallels between contemporary educational efforts and the historic 1961 Literacy Campaign masterminded by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

    Minister Trujillo identified the preservation of Cuba’s educational achievements as the paramount challenge facing educators today, particularly given the country’s current complex socioeconomic circumstances. She characterized the teaching profession as an ‘epic journey,’ acknowledging that educators remain deeply connected to the emotional landscape of each student they encounter both within classrooms and throughout broader social activities.

    Reaffirming Cuba’s foundational educational principles, the minister emphasized that the state-maintained system continues to provide inclusive, universal, and tuition-free education to all citizens. Beyond domestic implementation, Trujillo highlighted how Cuba’s educational model has achieved international influence through cooperative programs that have assisted other nations in combating illiteracy using methodologies inspired by Cuba’s revolutionary experience.

    Concluding her address, the education minister extended formal gratitude to educators for their persistent efforts under challenging conditions. She urged teaching professionals to continually reflect on their extraordinary social value and maintain their supportive role in overcoming national educational challenges.

  • Why do libraries still matter today? Part 2

    Why do libraries still matter today? Part 2

    In an era of information overload, libraries maintain their critical role as guardians of knowledge and facilitators of continuous learning. This analysis, the second in a four-part series examining the enduring relevance of libraries, focuses specifically on how these institutions cultivate information literacy and support educational advancement in contemporary society.

    Information literacy represents a multifaceted skillset encompassing the ability to identify, evaluate, and effectively utilize information—a competency increasingly vital in both personal and professional contexts. The American Library Association defines this as recognizing when information is needed and possessing the capability to locate, assess, and employ it appropriately. Libraries worldwide champion freedom of information access while implementing careful curation policies to combat misinformation, with their specific approaches varying based on institutional type (academic, public, national, or special).

    The T A Marryshow Community College Library (TAMCCL) exemplifies how academic libraries serve their communities. Despite resource constraints common in developing nations, TAMCCL provides carefully vetted materials in both digital and physical formats to support the college’s curriculum. Beyond mere resource provision, library staff actively enhance student capabilities through classroom research sessions demonstrating advanced database techniques, including scholarly filters and peer-review identification.

    TAMCCL’s innovative programming extends to interdisciplinary education, hosting expert-led sessions on diverse topics from recycling initiatives to nutritional health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These sessions feature collaborations with authoritative organizations including Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority, Grenada Food and Nutrition Council, and UN representatives in Grenada. The library employs creative multimedia and sensory experiences to engage students, exemplified by World Food Day 2025 celebrations that combined educational presentations with healthy food sampling in the library lobby.

    The modern concept of continuous learning has dramatically evolved from traditional education models. Information now transcends physical books, requiring ongoing skill development throughout one’s career and personal life. Public libraries design programs for all age groups, while academic institutions like TAMCC, The UWI Global Campus, and St. George’s University offer continuing education opportunities. Their supporting libraries provide essential resources for adult learners seeking professional development or technological upskilling.

    Technology’s pervasive influence on daily life creates digital literacy requirements that libraries uniquely address. For those lacking technological access or proficiency, libraries offer non-discriminatory, cost-free skill development regardless of age or background. This function proves particularly crucial in resource-limited environments like Grenada and other small island developing states, where libraries serve as vital hubs combating outdated educational notions while promoting information literacy as a fundamental societal value.

  • Dominica State College set to welcome over one hundred new students in new semester

    Dominica State College set to welcome over one hundred new students in new semester

    Dominica State College (DSC) is gearing up to welcome approximately 150 new students for the January 2026 academic term, with comprehensive orientation activities planned to ensure a successful transition to higher education.

    The institution has announced a three-day New Student Orientation scheduled from January 12-14, 2026, designed to familiarize incoming students with academic expectations, campus regulations, and available support services. The mandatory sessions will provide essential information about college resources, extracurricular activities, and strategies for academic success within DSC’s learning environment.

    According to the college’s official statement, the orientation program aims to equip new students with the necessary tools to navigate their higher education journey effectively. The carefully structured sessions will cover critical aspects of college life, creating a foundation for student achievement and institutional engagement.

    Academic instruction for the new semester will formally begin on January 19, 2026, with programs commencing across all college faculties. The institution emphasized its commitment to maintaining a supportive and high-quality educational environment for all enrolled students.

    “Dominica State College looks forward to welcoming its newest cohort and remains dedicated to providing an engaging, supportive, and excellence-driven learning community,” the college stated in its announcement, highlighting its ongoing commitment to student success and educational development.

  • PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    PHOTOS: Flow Hosts Festive Community Christmas Lunch at Heroes Park

    In a heartwarming display of community spirit, telecommunications provider Flow brought festive cheer to the public with a specially organized Christmas lunch at Heroes Park on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The event transformed the public space into a vibrant hub of seasonal celebration, where members of the community gathered to share in the joy of the holidays. Attendees enjoyed a festive meal in a convivial atmosphere that emphasized togetherness and goodwill. The initiative demonstrated corporate commitment to social engagement beyond commercial operations, creating a platform for genuine human connection during the holiday season. The carefully orchestrated event successfully blended corporate social responsibility with traditional holiday values, providing nourishment both physical and emotional to participants. This gathering represented more than just a meal—it served as a testament to the power of community bonding during special occasions, reinforcing the importance of collective celebration in public spaces.

  • Shen Long doneert kerstpakketten aan 15 sociale instellingen; president waardeert geste

    Shen Long doneert kerstpakketten aan 15 sociale instellingen; president waardeert geste

    In a significant display of corporate social responsibility, Shen Long Company—renowned manufacturer of Snowkleen toilet paper, kitchen rolls, tissues, diapers, and recently launched detergents—distributed extensive Christmas care packages to fifteen social institutions on Saturday. The ceremonial handover was presided over by President Jennifer Simons, who publicly commended the company for its deep community engagement.

    Company Director Xie Da emphasized that social responsibility forms the cornerstone of Shen Long’s corporate philosophy. ‘We firmly believe a company’s value is measured not by its commercial success, but by its compassion and care for the most vulnerable in society,’ Xie stated during the event.

    The donation drive presented logistical challenges for some institutions due to the volume of supplies. However, with assistance from Shen Long staff, all packages were successfully loaded into vehicles. Each package contained fifteen essential items, including sacks of potatoes, 50kg bags of rice, chicken legs, Christmas breads, and a variety of paper products.

    This initiative continues a tradition Shen Long began in 2008, which has now become an integral part of its organizational culture. Xie noted, ‘A single act of giving can inspire others to contribute. Together, these gestures form a beacon of guidance and hope.’

    President Simons expressed strong approval of the initiative, stating, ‘We must support each other and step in where people struggle. Given the challenging times we’re navigating, I’ve repeatedly called for solidarity. No one can do it alone—not even the government. That’s why I deeply value efforts like these. Giving inspires more giving.’

    Simons also personally thanked representatives from the recipient institutions for their dedicated and often demanding work in service of the community.

    This year’s beneficiaries included the Mytylschool, Mr. Huber Stichting, In De Ruimte, Betheljada, Huize Albertine, Hoor Naar Zijn Stem, Huize Ashiana, Kinderhuis Saron, Huize Tyltyl, Huize Siembah, Wanica Regional Hospital (geriatrics department), Libi Makandra, Maharishi Dayanand Children’s Home, Lotjeshuis, and Huize Ekkelisia.

  • Deputy CoP says police officers working ‘under some inhumane conditions’

    Deputy CoP says police officers working ‘under some inhumane conditions’

    In a striking courtroom admission, Deputy Police Commissioner Frankie Joseph has formally alerted the High Court to the severely deficient working environments plaguing the nation’s police force. During the closing proceedings of the criminal assizes in Kingstown, the nation’s second-highest ranking law enforcement official characterized the conditions within multiple stations as “inhumane,” explicitly inviting judicial scrutiny of the Central Police Station’s facilities.

    The unprecedented testimony emerged during a special sitting presided over by Justice Rickie Burnett, who extended the traditional court address privileges to include both a jury member and Deputy Commissioner Joseph, in the absence of Police Commissioner Enville Williams. Joseph commenced his remarks by extending seasonal greetings to judicial stakeholders before delivering his damning assessment of institutional neglect.

    “Counsel Connell, thank you for those words. Yes, the police have been doing, in my estimation, an exceptional job under very harsh conditions,” Joseph stated, directly addressing the court. The deputy commissioner specifically referenced the historic headquarters on Bay and Hillsboro streets, noting social media had previously documented the deteriorating infrastructure.

    Justice Burnett interpreted Joseph’s comments as an official invitation to inspect the facilities, which he immediately accepted. Joseph elaborated that officers provide dual services to “internal customers” (the officers themselves) and “external customers” (the public), noting that substandard working conditions inevitably degrade service quality despite professional training.

    Earlier in proceedings, attorney Grant Connell had initiated the discussion by challenging police leadership to advocate more vigorously for their personnel. “Deputy Commissioner, you have to stand up for your men. And if you didn’t want to stand up before, stand up now,” Connell urged, recommending direct appeals to the Prime Minister for infrastructure improvements.

    The lawyer provided visceral descriptions of decrepit conditions, comparing Central Police Station’s upper floors to a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean where “you had to dodge the woodlice and look for a plank that you can walk on.” Connell further recalled visiting the Drug Squad base where officers swept rat dung from kitchens while pigeons flew freely through the premises.

    These judicial revelations coincide with newly appointed National Security Minister St. Clair Leacock’s ongoing inspections of police facilities since assuming portfolio responsibility on December 2, following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory on November 27.

  • Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    Social Protection Board shares the joy of Christmas with the children

    POINTE VILLE – The Lion’s Den venue radiated with festive cheer last week as it welcomed hundreds of delighted children for the highly anticipated annual Christmas celebration, orchestrated by the Social Protection Board (SPB). This cornerstone event in the government social agency’s calendar saw attendance surge beyond three hundred youngsters.

    Attendees were treated to an afternoon brimming with entertainment and merriment. Highlights included a vibrant bounce castle, lively music, and refreshing treats. The festivities reached a peak with a special appearance from Santa Claus, who distributed gifts to the excited children, ensuring smiles all around.

    The success of this heartwarming initiative was attributed to robust corporate and community backing. Mary Baltimore, Coordinator of the Social Protection Board, emphasized the critical role of sponsors. “This event is a annual highlight for these children, made possible solely through the generosity of our sponsors. Without their unwavering commitment, realizing such a joyful gathering would be unattainable,” Baltimore stated.

    Major contributors recognized for their significant support included Sunny Ltd., Royalton Hotel, and Signs and Impressions. Baltimore extended a profound and heartfelt gratitude to these entities and all other contributors for their philanthropic efforts.

    Furthermore, Baltimore lauded the dedicated SPB staff members for their exceptional diligence and commitment. She praised their relentless efforts, stating, “My deepest thanks go to our incredible team for their unwavering support throughout the past twelve months and for going the extra mile to ensure this event’s resounding success.”

  • OPINION: Do you know that you work two months free every year for the Antigua and Barbuda government?

    OPINION: Do you know that you work two months free every year for the Antigua and Barbuda government?

    A profound fiscal analysis reveals a growing economic burden on citizens of Antigua and Barbuda as government expenditures continue their unprecedented upward trajectory. Over a five-year period from 2021 to 2025, the national budget has escalated by 33.5%, climbing from $1.499 billion to a projected $2.001 billion, with a further increase to $2.078 billion anticipated for 2026.

    This expansion of government spending represents what economists term ‘hidden taxation’ – indirect fiscal measures that substantially impact citizens’ cost of living without transparent disclosure. The fundamental economic principle remains unchanged: every dollar spent by the government must first be extracted from the populace, either through immediate taxation or deferred debt obligations that future generations will inevitably bear.

    Current data indicates that indirect taxation consumes approximately 18% of the national GDP, meaning the average citizen surrenders $1 of every $5 earned to government coffers through consumption-based levies. When combined with statutory deductions including Social Security, Medical Benefit, and Education Levy, the total government claim on individual income reaches a staggering 30.5%.

    A detailed examination of a typical monthly budget for an individual earning the average salary of EC$3,000 demonstrates the severe financial pressure facing ordinary citizens. After accounting for housing ($900), utilities ($500), daily meals ($200), groceries ($400), and both direct and indirect government deductions ($916), only $84 remains for transportation, incidentals, and discretionary spending.

    This fiscal reality means the average worker effectively labors for two months annually solely to satisfy indirect tax obligations. While some argue this represents necessary contribution to national development, the current trajectory risks creating unsustainable economic conditions where government spending priorities override individual financial stability.

    The critical question facing citizens and policymakers alike is whether this pattern of budgetary expansion serves the public interest or requires immediate correction through disciplined fiscal restraint and transparent accounting of taxation’s true impact on household economics.

  • Weed Wacker Thief Caught on Tape

    Weed Wacker Thief Caught on Tape

    The quiet community of Hatton was disrupted by a brazen early morning theft on Friday, December 19th. At approximately 5:19 a.m., an unidentified individual trespassed onto a residential property and executed a targeted theft of landscaping equipment. Security footage indicates the perpetrator entered through an unsecured yard before removing a weed wacker from an exterior gallery or porch area. The entire incident occurred under cover of predawn darkness, suggesting the thief capitalized on reduced visibility and minimal neighborhood activity. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, examining available evidence and seeking potential witnesses. This incident has raised concerns among residents about property security, particularly regarding the storage of valuable equipment in exterior spaces. Police are advising homeowners to implement additional security measures, including motion-activated lighting and secure storage solutions for outdoor valuables. The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement works to identify the suspect.